For donations Click Here

Bowing Before Judo Class

In Judo, at the beginning and end of a class the students and the teacher bow down by kneeling on the knees and touching their face to the floor. Is this permissible for a Jew to do? I have been told that is not related to idol worshiping at all but is merely a sign of respect. Does this make any difference?

Answer:

If there are mats on the floor, and everybody understands that the practice is a sign of respect, it is permitted to bow.

However, it remains preferable to avoid actually touching one’s head to the floor.

Best wishes.

Sources:

Please see here and sources cited.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *